Tamperproof identification card and method of making the same



APTil 0, 1945. F. s. CARVER 2,373,540

TAMPER-PROOF IDENTIFICATION CARD AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME Filed Oct. 24, 1942 INVENTOR. Fred 5v Carver- ATTORNEY gether under heat and pressure.

Patented Apr. 10, 1945 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE TAMPERPROOF IDENTIFICATION CARD AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME 2 Claims.

The present invention relates to tamper-proof identification cards and methods of making the same.

In order to render identification cards tamper-proof they have been permanently enclosed in plastic by placing the card with the completed identification data on it between two sheets of transparent plastic (usually acetate) and then bonding the paper or card and plastic sheets to- This renders the card permanent, tamper-proof and readily usable without becoming soiled or torn.

As a further check on the authenticity of an identification card it is quite general to require that the identification card should bear the impression seal of the issuing agency made at the time the card is issued. Attempts to render identiflcation cards with impression seals tamperproof in the manner above referred to has resulted in the obliteration of the seal when the pressure was applied in the molding operation.

The present invention contemplates improving the process of making the cards so that the proof of the genuine nature of the card, as indicated originally by the seal, can still be retained even though the raised seal itself is obliterated.

The accompanying drawing shows, for purposes of illustrating the present invention, an embodiment in which the invention may take form, it being understood that the drawing is illustrative of the invention rather than limiting the same.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 illustrates an identification card;

Figure 2 is an elevational view of an applicator and block of material;

Figure 3 is an elevational view of the bottom of the applicator;

Figure 4 is an enlarged sectional view showing the use of the applicator;

Figure 5 illustrates the card after the applicator has been used on the seal;

Figure 6 is a section through the card and the plastic sheets and showing the assembly in the press; and

Figure 7 is a sectional view through a finished card.

Figure 1 illustrates an identification card It with written or typed in identification material and an impression seal at H. The card is placed on a flat support S. Figure 4, with the raised side of the seal up. An applicator i2 having a slightly roughened lower surface I3 is rubbed over the surface of a block it of carbon, graphite or the like and picks up particles from the block. The rough surface of the applicator may be readily formed by merely turning the surface fiat in a lathe and leaving the tool marks.

The applicator is then placed on the seal bearing area of the card, as indicated in Figure 4, and shifted laterally, usually in a more or less circular motion, so that carbon or graphite particles are transferred onto the raised areas, somewhat as illustrated at I! in Figure 5. This renders the impression seal very prominent as the particles contrast with the surface. of the card.

The card is then placed between two sheets of transparent acetate plastic iG-IB, Figure 6. to form a sandwich. This sandwich is received between two ferrotype plates l1l'| and stacks of these sandwiches placed on the platen i8 of a press. The press is then closed, heated and then chilled and the cards with their transparent plastic armor removed and trimmed. The resulting card appears in section at 20 in Figure 7. The impression seal has been completely flattened out, but the particles remaining on the paper are readily visible and the seal is faithfully delineated. The entire card is now tamper-proof and permanent.

It is obvious that the invention may be embodied in many forms and constructions within the scope of the claims and I wish it to be understood that the particular form shown is but one of the many forms. Various modifications and changes being possible, I do not otherwise limit myself in any way with respect thereto.

What is claimed is:

1. The method of rendering an identification card tamper-proof, which comprises applying an impression seal to the card to provide raised areas. then transferring a medium of a. color which contrasts with the material of the card so that the raised areas are delineated thereby, placing the card between two sheets of transparent plastic larger than the card, and applying heat and pressure to flatten the raised" areas and cause the plastic to flow and bond at its edges, the contrasting medium remaining visible to delineate the outline of the seal notwithstanding the flattening of the "raised seal.

2. A tamper-proof identification card comprising a paper sheet carrying identification data and an impression sea-l having raised indicia forming portions which bear material of contrasting color with the sheet, and an enclosing medium for the sheet comprising a body of transparent plastic permanently united therewith under heat and pressure, the former "raised" portions being flattened out, the contrastingly colored material delineating the impression seal.

FRED S. CARVER. 

